MetroCast deploys Fiber to the Home technology in Carthage

CARTHAGE, Mississippi – MetroCast Communications, the video, Internet and phone provider with offices in eight Mississippi communities, has announced the deployment of an advanced fiber-optic technology for its customers in Carthage.

As a result, MetroCast customers in Carthage will receive more than 150 new video channels, Internet at speeds of up to 50 megabits per second and digital phone service. The new fiber technology will also provide new advanced products and services such as improved video channel lineup with more than 275 channels available, including more than 50 new High Definition (HD) channels, new video on demand options, “TV Everywhere” and multi-room DVR options.

“Fiber to the Home” is a fiber-optic connection that is made directly to the home. The technology converts data to laser light waves, which are then transmitted over thin strands of glass.

MetroCast FTTH is now available to MetroCast’s entire footprint in Carthage, and it is the first such deployment in Leake County. MetroCast, which has operations in nine states, already has deployed FTTH in its Maryland and Virginia service areas and expects additional deployments in Starkville and Oxford this year.

“MetroCast customers in Carthage now have access to the most powerful, advanced communication technology available,” said MetroCast Regional Manager Rick Ferrall. “With Fiber to the Home, customers in Carthage will enjoy the next generation of video, Internet and phone technology today in their own home.”

Thomas McElroy, Appointments Director and State Broadband Coordinator for Governor Phil Bryant, said, “This commitment by MetroCast to invest in an all-fiber network and to extend its fiber plant to all serviceable households in the City is notable, commendable, and a step forward for us.”

“This new technology is important to this region because it provides a critical gateway to resources that will contribute to the education of our young people, that will stimulate business development and growth, and that will connect citizens to vital information,” said State Sen. Giles K. Ward (R-District 18). “And as our people and institutions increasingly turn to communications technology for every facet of life, the speed and reliability that FTTH provides is essential.”

State Rep. Bennett Malone (D-District 45) said: “This innovation by MetroCast will enrich civic life by connecting citizens to each other and to the world beyond, thereby bridging the digital divide and opening up access to vast amounts of information and content across multiple platforms.”

Melanie Hartley, Executive Director of The Leake County Development Association, said the FTTH initiative would benefit the county’s revitalization efforts. “Studies have shown that FTTH can drive economic growth by making communities more attractive to live in and to do business in. It’s a win for individual consumers and the wider community.”

Carthage mayor Jimmy Wallace said: “With this announcement, I think we can say that Carthage is not only the Center of it All in Mississippi, but at the center of technological innovation in the state of Mississippi. We are not the largest city in the state, but we will be among the very first to benefit from Fiber to the Home technology. This is good for our residents and another step forward for our entire community.”